Tb shot question

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I got my tb shot on friday and I'm not sure if I irritated It but It's red around It . Am I going to be fine ? What does a positive Tb test look like ?

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Redness does not mean a + ppd. The person reading the test does not (or should not) measure the redness but the induration.

According to the CDC : The reaction should be measured in millimeters of the induration (palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling). The reader should not measure erythema (redness). The diameter of the indurated area should be measured across the forearm (perpendicular to the long axis). CDC | TB | Fact Sheets - Tuberculin Skin Testing for TB

Your test should be read either today or tomorrow since they have to be read within 48-72 hrs after being placed or they are void and need to be redone.

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I am getting it read tomorrow on my first day at the nursing home . So they measure what exactly ? Where the shot is ? I am really nervous . Sorry for asking so many questions ...

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I am getting it read tomorrow the first day I start at the nursing home , whay exactly do they look for ? A bump or what and is it around the spot where they put the shot ? I am sorry for all the questions just really nervous never had this done before .

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Specializes in Hospice.
I am getting it read tomorrow on my first day at the nursing home . So they measure what exactly ? Where the shot is ? I am really nervous . Sorry for asking so many questions ...

Since we can't visualize the site, there is no way any of us can tell you if you're having a positive reaction or not.

I can tell you that redness alone means nothing.

Also, a positive TB test doesn't mean you have TB. It means you MAY have been exposed at some point. You can also have a false positive.

TB isn't that easy to contract, as long as you are healthy with a well functioning immune system. I've been a nurse since 1979, had clinicals in VA and state facilities, worked for years without ANY gloves and masks, much less respirators, and in all that time I've never converted.

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It kind of feels like a bruise starting to form but its just a red circle . So In general what do they look for when theh read the test ? A bump ? & is it determined on where the shot is . I dont have a bump or anything just that red circle .

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What they are looking for in terms of a reaction was listed in the blurb from the CDC that I posted: "induration (palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling)." So yes a 'bump'. And they would look right in the area where the test was given.

Mine typically become very red as well as tender(feels much like a bruise) but I've never had an induration/bump. As the previous poster mentioned, without being able to see/feel your test there is no way we can tell you if its + or -

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How can i show a pic on here ?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
How can i show a pic on here ?

You can't. Nor are we allowed per TOS to even remotely try to read your TB test. I'm actually surprised at Some of the answers you have been given.

You need to take your questions to your medical provider or whoever placed your test.

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A picture would only allow us to see the redness and/or bruising that is occurring. In order to properly assess it we'd need to actually feel the area. try to relax, I think your freaking yourself out a bit.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

We can't provide medical advice per our terms of service.

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